City Council considers phased bike path and pedestrian network improvements

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission meeting held on May 15, 2025, in Sunnyvale, Santa Clara County, focused on enhancing the city’s biking and pedestrian infrastructure. The discussions centered around the importance of creating safe and accessible routes for residents, with an emphasis on reducing reliance on cars.

One of the key points raised was the potential for a well-developed biking and pedestrian network to facilitate access to essential locations, such as grocery stores and light rail stations. It was noted that improving these facilities could lead to a decrease in the current vehicle count, which stands at approximately 4,000, as more residents opt for biking or walking.

The commission discussed a phased approach to implementing these improvements, with a strong recommendation to ensure that Phase 2 of the project is not overlooked. A member emphasized the need for a mandate to revisit Phase 2, suggesting that without such a requirement, it may be forgotten in future planning.

Proposals were made for specific alternatives in the project phases. For Phase 1, the recommendation was to implement separate bike paths, while for Phase 2, buffered bike lanes were suggested. Additionally, the installation of temporary bike lanes on the north side of the tracks was proposed to complement existing lanes on the south side before the main construction begins. The preservation and addition of trees were also highlighted as important considerations in the planning process.

Commissioner Haffman contributed to the discussion by expressing support for bidirectional bike and pedestrian paths, particularly west of Vienna, citing the inconvenience of navigating long distances if cyclists are on the wrong side of the street.

The meeting concluded with a call for further comments from other commissioners, indicating ongoing engagement and collaboration among members to refine the proposals and ensure effective implementation of the biking and pedestrian initiatives. The commission aims to present a cohesive plan to the city council that prioritizes safety and accessibility for all residents.